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ST Coilovers - Review?
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03-18-2011, 09:29 PM | #1 |
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ST Coilovers - Review?
I was hoping to get some honest feedback on these coils. I have seen a lot of these coils for sale in the private market the past few months and I am not sure why. I understand they are identical to KW v1s except they use galvanized steel which is prone to rusting. If you are running these coils or if you ran these coils and sold, can you please provide a little review of how they handle and their durability?
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03-21-2011, 12:27 PM | #3 |
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Coming from the makers of KW suspension systems the only main difference between the ST Variant 1 and KW Variant 1 is the steel they use. While KW uses Stainless Steel for their shock housing, ST uses Galvanized Steel. However, this does not mean a drop in quality, durability, or appearance. Although coilovers that use galvanized steel are more prone to corrosion due to environmental influences (i.e. mixture of salt water); those in the lower states: California, Texas, Florida, Nevada, etc. don't have to worry about corrosion. Those in the mid to upper States that snow still don't have much to worry about as long as they do not drive in heavy snow conditions upon where salt is used on roads. to further ensure those with doubt about Galvanized Steel, ST has corrosion resistant zinc plating on all of their threaded strut housings for further protection.
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03-21-2011, 12:35 PM | #4 |
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The STv1 is a good coilover for the entry level, not to be confused with the Sonik Tuning system, which is a totally different system.
I have installed and driven on the STv1 system and the KWv1 system. the ride is exactly the same between the 2, as well as the drop rates. the difference is, KW's are stainless steel - and being in MD you will want a stainless system because you guys get snow and salt roads. personally, Im running the Eibach pro street S coilover system in my car, whihc has Stainless steel shocks custom valved by KW for Eibach, with Eibachs springs. Its the perfect marriage of the 2 systems. They ride slightly more comfortable then the ST/KWv1 and can be dropped as low as your hear desires. Let me know if you have any questions, Im happy to help you |
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03-21-2011, 08:12 PM | #5 |
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I had ST V1s on my car for a couple of months. The drop was great obviously since I can put it wherever I want it. The handling was nice and responsive, very easy to control and felt really confident around corners. That's the good. The bad is that they aren't adjustable and although they claim to be designed to provide the optimal combination of handling and ride comfort, at least for where I live in downtown Seattle the ride comfort was lacking. They were pretty harsh and hitting bumps was very jarring. The roads here do suck so if your area has decent streets you're probably fine. But for me there was no getting past the rough ride (it doesn't help that I'm on 19"s). Also, I experienced a minor but enough to be annoying seesawing effect when coming to a stop. The car would just sort of seesaw or rock front to back twice when I came to a complete stop. I posted it about, best guess was the rear subframe bushings are too soft for the stiffer spring rate. I never bothered investigating because swapping out those bushings gets expensive and creates a firmer ride. Overall I'd say these are good coils, though there have been some reports of the shocks failing early.
In the end I switched to Koni FSDs and Eibachs and I'm happy with good handling (not great) but a ride I can live with on a daily basis. |
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03-21-2011, 09:38 PM | #6 |
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06-03-2013, 10:56 PM | #8 |
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Ok, so I'm a little confused about the adjustability of these. Apparently the height is adjustable but not the dampening. Does that mean the dampening automatically adjusts itself to the ride height? For example, if I lower the height, will the shocks automatically adjust themselves with the springs to become firmer?
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2007 E90 335i Titanium Silver Metallic, Premium Package, Comfort Access Package
JB4 • Borla catback & midpipes • VRSF DP's • AFE DCI w/ scoops • 19" wheels • ST V1 • M3 control arms • UR strut brace • HID projector fogs • LED Blacklines • full LED conversion |
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06-04-2013, 12:43 PM | #9 |
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Also, there is a site selling these that says wheel spacers are needed with OEM wheels. Has anyone had any clearance issues with these?
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2007 E90 335i Titanium Silver Metallic, Premium Package, Comfort Access Package
JB4 • Borla catback & midpipes • VRSF DP's • AFE DCI w/ scoops • 19" wheels • ST V1 • M3 control arms • UR strut brace • HID projector fogs • LED Blacklines • full LED conversion |
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06-04-2013, 05:27 PM | #10 |
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I just got these installed on my car just a few weeks ago and I can say I am satisfied. I only lowered it only 0.5" and it handles very nice. The ride firm but not harsh in anyway. This is my daily driver and rides better than stock for sure. No well spacers were required.
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06-04-2013, 06:37 PM | #11 | |
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06-15-2013, 08:15 AM | #14 |
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I run these on my daily driven 330 ZHP and really like them. They ride well after they break in and have a good valving for all around use. I highly recommend them for the money.
Tony |
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06-20-2013, 04:54 PM | #15 | |
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06-21-2013, 11:14 AM | #16 |
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i'm on ST set pretty low on oem rims, no problems at all
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06-23-2013, 05:07 AM | #17 |
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Alright, stupid question alert.
What color are the ST V1 coilovers supposed to be? I have found a set of them online with yellow springs, and another set with the same brand name for the exact same price, but with lime green springs. Are these the same product?
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2007 E90 335i Titanium Silver Metallic, Premium Package, Comfort Access Package
JB4 • Borla catback & midpipes • VRSF DP's • AFE DCI w/ scoops • 19" wheels • ST V1 • M3 control arms • UR strut brace • HID projector fogs • LED Blacklines • full LED conversion |
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06-23-2013, 07:43 PM | #18 | |
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06-25-2013, 11:22 PM | #19 |
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Thank you, that clears things up so much
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2007 E90 335i Titanium Silver Metallic, Premium Package, Comfort Access Package
JB4 • Borla catback & midpipes • VRSF DP's • AFE DCI w/ scoops • 19" wheels • ST V1 • M3 control arms • UR strut brace • HID projector fogs • LED Blacklines • full LED conversion |
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